Standout Christmas selections heard yesterday and today:
KDHX 88.1 FM
- Winter Wonderland-Jerry Byrd (A laid-back instrumental rendition that lives up to its album's billing of "Christmas In Hawaii.")
- Light Of The Stable-Emmylou Harris (Harris brings to mind elements of Rosanne Cash and Joan Baez in compellingly sung lyrics about going to see the newborn Christ child.)
- Silent Night-Mayim (The a cappella harmonies from these three women coalesce extremely well. Their CD, "Sacred Season," is strongly recommended. Among its other highlights: "Angels We Have Heard On High," "Beside Thy Cradle, Here I Stand," "The First Noel," and "Lo, How A Rose.")
- The Holly & The Ivy-Loreena McKennitt (A somber rendition, sung with powerful, sweeping conviction. I could imagine Mary Fahl singing it similarly.)
- Frosty The Snowman-Leon Redbone with Dr. John (Redbone's voice suits the tune especially well, particularly on the "thumpity thump thump"s, and Dr. John's vocals add grit. It's a fun romp that commercial radio stations ought to play.)
- Silver Bells-Kevin Eubanks (Eubanks ups the carol's tempo on guitar and includes subtle scatting for an effective smooth jazz take.)
- Winter Wonderland-Howard Alden & Ken Peplowski (A spirited, expansive rendition for guitar and clarinet. Also recommended: Peplowski's take on "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.")
- The Christmas Song-Nat King Cole (One of the most deserving of all Christmas perennials; a version this richly and elegantly sung should hold up through the decades, and clearly, it has. It's not surprising that I'd hear it on three radio stations in one afternoon.)
